Middlesbrough confirm manager Neil Warnock has tested positive for COVID-19 - and will miss AFC Bournemouth clash

The Boro boss was not on the touchline for the club’s midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Barnsley and is understood to have shown mild symptoms of COVID-19.

Warnock has not been present at training in recent days, with assistant Kevin Blackwell and first-team coach Ronnie Jepson leading the side.

The duo are also set to take charge of the team for the visit ofMar Bournemouth this weekend, as they did against the Tykes on Tuesday evening.

In a statement confirming the positive test, Middlesbrough said that Warnock remains in ‘good spirits’. They also confirmed that the 71-year-old would spend a period in isolation.

"The club can confirm that our manager Neil Warnock has returned a positive test for COVID-19 and will be spending a period in isolation in accordance with guidelines,” the statement read.

“Neil is in good spirits and we look forward to welcoming him back after his period in isolation.”